Young Gun: Nathan Thomas – Harlequins back row

Nathan ThomasThe finals was not a night to remember for , but for Nathan Thomas it is one he will never forget.
The 17-year-old concluded a fairytale year that saw him return to school, play at Twickenham, captain John Fisher's XV and score on his debut at the Stoop.
By his own admission, Thomas went off the rails and his daily routine for the past four years consisted on being up to no good on the streets of Croydon.
In that time he started playing rugby at U14s level and, without knowing it, found himself attending Harlequins' Hitz program – something that turned his life around.
“At the start of the week I never thought I'd be playing at the Stoop and to be honest I thought it was a joke when I first got the call from our coach Howard Graham,” he told The Rugby Paper.
“I was very nervous in the first game and I didn't want to do anything wrong but the coaches told me to have a go and grab my opportunity.
“I saw that gap in the second game and thought ‘I've got to do it'. Once I went around the defender and realised I was going to score at the Stoop on my debut I was over the moon.
“Paul Wilson and Howard have been very supportive this year even if it wasn't easy for me to be told what to do at first. Joining the Hitz program has truly changed my life.
“John Fisher have been great for me, too. They helped me get my education back on track and I managed to pass my exams and get a C which I'm very happy about.
“Rugby wise, we had a great year playing at Twickenham during the London 7s but I really hope we can finally win the Sevens after losing in the final for the past two years.”
From the start, Harlequins realised Thomas' potential and he was quickly promoted into their EPDG set up.
Moved from the midfield to the back-row, he is now looking to capitalise on the opportunity that was given to him by securing a full-time contract once he finishes his education at John Fisher.
He added: “I'm still in the EPDG for another year but getting a contract is my main long-term goal
“As for this season, I'd like to get a call-up in the A-League and show what I'm made off. Quins have given me so much and I'm definitely looking to repay the faith they put in me.
“I played alongside Kieran Treadwell on Friday and I hope I can follow in his footsteps. He's a John Fisher legend and we're all aspiring to achieve what he's done.
“Representing John Fisher and Quins with is also a big target for me this year and I hope I can get a call up with England U18s.
“I know what it's like to have nothing in your life with nothing to look forward to.
“I've been given a huge opportunity by Quins and I'm out to make the most of it. Maybe I can inspire other troublesome youngsters to turn their life around.”

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